Friday, March 18, 2016

Pictures from the Columbus Police Academy

In the 1800's to the early 1900's police officers would have on a pair of knuckels, handcuffs, a billy club or nightstick, a log book, and a copy of Rules, Regulations, and Instructions.

Female officers would carry a purse with a small handgun however were not given as much authority as male officers.

Here we have some of the older versions of items that officers carry such as chemical mace and a radio. There are also patches to indicate unit of police.

Various ranks and awards and officer could earn and firearm and ammunition holsters.

Large boot covers that officers would wear when working in extreme weather conditions and various batons.

An early female officer's uniform.

These are the core values that the Columbus Police Department follow. All around the training academy there are pictures with different unit members displaying these values. The consistent reinforcement of these values is important and can act as a moral background when out on duty.

James G. Jackson was the previous chief of police. His story and ability to overcome diversity after 51 years of service is one worth telling. He was the first black police chief when he was appointed in 1990. He started as a patrolman on March 16, 1958, was promoted to sergeant in 1967, to lieutenant in 1971, captain in 1974 and deputy chief in 1977. My friend Officer Whitney admired chief Jackson's accomplishments and looked at him as an example of how to this day there is still much to be accomplished since it took so long for a minority to have that level of authority in Columbus.

I found the CPD was accredited by The Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and must undergo continual evaluation of the policies and procedures. This means that the CPD is held to a standard much higher than most departments.

A typical classroom for officers in training.

This classroom was described as a specialized forensic classroom however to my dismay, I learned is not used as often as one would expect. This room is manly used for show which is incredibly disappointing. With my new knowledge I can't help but wonder if the CPD academy is hiding or perhaps forgetting their core value of integrity.

The arena where recruits are tested on their combat abilities. Physical fitness is a crucial aspect for officers and the ability to defend yourself and subdue a criminal in a violent situation is the difference between a successful operation and an injured officer.

In this auditorium, each flag in the auditorium represents a class of graduated officers. My friend Whitney is a member of the 71st class which graduated in 1987.

At the conclusion of my day I realized that like any other division of police, there were flaws. I was disappointed that my possible field of interest, forensics, is continuously ignored to be taught in the CPD training academy. This however may not be by fault of the academy but perhaps by lack of funding. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the academy and the respect given to one another. I would be excited to pursue a career here.